Chris Pratt is reportedly stepping away from an upcoming action film, marking a major casting shake-up in a project spearheaded by Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan. According to industry sources, Pratt was originally attached to lead Sheridan’s F.A.S.T., but new reports suggest 1923 star Brandon Sklenar may be taking over the role.
Back in 2018, it was announced (via Variety) that Sheridan would follow up his critically acclaimed Wind River (2017) with F.A.S.T., an action thriller centered on a former special ops commando turned DEA black ops strike team leader. At the time, Warner Bros. seemingly needed a high-profile name to greenlight the project, and Pratt, fresh off the success of Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Jurassic World (2015), was tapped for the role. However, production stalled as Sheridan focused on Yellowstone’s second season, leaving the film in limbo.
Now, it appears Warner Bros. is moving forward, with Sklenar—who played Spencer Dutton in 1923 alongside Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren—potentially stepping into the lead role. While no official confirmation has been made, the actor’s prior work with Sheridan makes him a logical choice.
Pratt, who first gained fame on NBC’s Parks and Recreation before transitioning into blockbuster territory, remains one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. His portrayal of Peter Quill/Star-Lord in the Marvel Cinematic Universe cemented his status, with appearances in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and last year’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023). The latter film marked the final adventure for the current iteration of the Guardians, but its post-credits scene teased that Star-Lord will return.
Exactly when and where that return will happen remains a mystery, though speculation points to the upcoming Avengers films, Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). Helmed by the Russo Brothers, these movies are set to film back-to-back in the U.K., mirroring the production strategy of Infinity War and Endgame.
Most recently, Pratt collaborated with the Russo Brothers on Netflix’s The Electric State, starring opposite Stranger Things breakout Millie Bobby Brown. While no official confirmation has been made regarding his return to the Avengers franchise, his continued relationship with the Russos suggests it’s a strong possibility.
In addition to his MCU future, Pratt has a packed slate, including Mercy (2026) and Way of the Warrior Kid (TBD). However, his departure from F.A.S.T. suggests a shift in his action-packed career trajectory.
According to The Direct, “industry insider Daniel Richtman reports that Warner Bros. is developing a film with the working title F.A.S.T., written and directed by Taylor Sheridan. The report also detailed that 1923’s Brandon Sklenar is in talks to star as the main character. If Sklenar lands the role, he will be replacing Chris Pratt as the film’s lead actor.”
Meanwhile, Sklenar is coming off a major role in the highly publicized adaptation of It Ends With Us (2024), where he starred as Atlas Corrigan alongside Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The film has faced legal battles surrounding its production, further keeping Sklenar in the Hollywood spotlight.
While it remains to be seen whether Sklenar will officially replace Pratt in Sheridan’s long-gestating film, the move wouldn’t be entirely unexpected given his connection to the filmmaker.
Do you think Sklenar is the right choice for the role? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
